The creativity of Chinese sopranos in the aspect of globalization processes

Statement of the problem. Globalization is an integral part of modern life in all its dimensions – political, economic, and social. That is why the originality of expression, the cherishing of the traditional is becoming a trend today, reflecting a conscious resistance to unification and standardization. At the same time, the opposite processes are also quite powerful – attempts to master and appropriate the heritage of other countries and civilizations. This is exactly what we observe in the musical culture of contemporary China. Objectives, methods and novelty of the research. The purpose of the article is to determine how globalization processes affect the individual development trajectories of specific artists on the example of the creativity of prominent sopranos. The innovative component of the research is the review and systematization of the facts of the creative life of outstanding Chinese sopranos in the light of the dialectics of globalization processes of modernity. The research is based on the principle of historicism, general scientific methods of induction and systematization, as well as the biographical method. Research results. The beginning of the ХХ century may be regarded as a distinctive point of departure for the long and complex process of interaction between Chinese traditions and those of Western Europe, a process that proved particularly challenging within the sphere of vocal culture. Mastering the bel canto tradition required considerable time and the dedicated efforts of outstanding Chinese artists. One such Teacher whose importance cannot be exaggerated is Zhou Xiaoyan (1917–2016), a coloratura soprano whose pedagogical work determined the formation of the national school of academic vocal training and influenced the development of opera performance in China, as evidenced by the work of prominent Chinese singers. Here are just a few of them. Zhang Liping (1965), who was selected to take part in master classes with the outstanding tenor Plácido Domingo in 1998. She made her next steps to fame in the class of the Canadian mezzo- soprano Phyllis (Margaret) Mailing at The Vancouver Academy of Music, and later in the youth program of the Vancouver Opera House. Zhang Liping has performed at leading opera houses (including the Metropolitan Opera and the Opéra National de Paris) and was the first Chinese singer to sign a contract with the legendary Universal Music Group. Another coloratura soprano is Wu Bixia (1975), who began her vocal training in the folk singing tradition, a practice fundamentally distinct from bel canto. Nevertheless, Wu Bixia’s artistic career exemplifies the possibility of successfully integrating both traditions. She has gained the greatest popularity in her homeland, primarily owing to her performances of Chinese music. Another singer whose artistic trajectory may serve as an illustration of globalization as a significant factor in the formation of an artist is Zhang Yu Carolyn. Presenting herself as the only Chinese singer and vocal instructor in Hungary, Zhang Yu pursues an active concert career, performing in both operettas and operas. While her recordings of Western European operatic classics have not gained wide popularity, greater public attention has been drawn to her recordings of Chinese and Hungarian music. Conclusion. Thus, it may be confidently asserted that the openness of borders, the possibility of studying and pursuing a career in other countries, and enrichment through the appropriation of the experience of other nations are highly significant factors in the development of contemporary artists and national performing schools.

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